This medium-coverage foundation comes in a nice range of colors to suit very fair to dark skin tones. The satin finish is more semi-matte than dewy and best for normal to slightly dry or slightly oily skin. It blends beautifully and wears well, though over oily areas you will definitely need to set it with a loose or pressed powder.

Note:Those with sensitive skin may also find this a good option because it is fragrance free.

Weaknesses: Limited, average skin-care options; average to problematic concealers; unimpressive eyelining and brow-enhancing options; the Lotsa Lip products; the mascaras are a mixed bag with mostly disappointing results; no brushes.

This Los Angeles–based independent cosmetics company launched in 1990 and is the brainchild of makeup artist Carol Shaw (Lorac is "Carol" spelled backwards). It is well-publicized that Shaw has a long list of celebrity clients, but then so do all of the other makeup artists who have their own products lines—there are a lot of famous faces that need attention—so that boast is hardly unique. Compared to competitors Bobbi Brown, Trish McEvoy, or Stila, Lorac doesn't offer the same caliber of foundation colors or the array of products, yet most of what's available is impressive. The company holds its own when it comes to blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick. You will find that, for the most part, the older, established products perform better and are more attractive than many of Shaw's latest inventions. In particular, the latest lipstick, lip gloss, concealer, and waterproof mascara are true disappointments. Lorac hasn't done a great job on the innovation and performance side of the business since the last edition of this book, while her competition (particularly Stila and Laura Mercier) continues to consistently impress. There are still plenty of reasons to shop this line, but focus on the long-standing products rather than on what's new.

The Beautypedia Research Team is dedicated to helping you find the absolute best products for your skin, using research-based criteria to review beauty products from an honest, balanced perspective. Each member of the team was personally trained by Paula Begoun herself.

I absolutely adore this foundation! I have been looking for a good coverage foundation with a dewy finish and I have finally met my perfect match. I love that the colours are yellow based since my skin is fair and pinkish since I suffered from aggravated acne because I am very sensitive to alcohols and fragrances, this does not irritate my skin whatsoever, is very easy to apply and the pump is mess free.

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Recommend

Reviewed by

MaU

12.18.2014

Cystic breakouts

This is the second Lorac foundation to give me cystic breakouts. I couldn't find a decent color match, and I felt this looked thick and unnatural. I have bad luck with Lorac. Always have.

Recommend

Value

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Reviewed by

Scarlett A.

03.26.2013

Great Foundation!

I have had problems with my skin in the past so finding a foundation that does not irritate my skin was a hassle. This foundation is great! There are no perfumes, it has a light silky texture and goes on so smooth. I have oily, acne prone skin and since I have been using this foundation, I haven't had a problem with breakouts. The finish is matte to dewy, which looks decent and natural. I would highly recommend this product to everyone!